08-03-2016, 01:00 PM
I think probably a source of the blue dye. I actually wrote a post about this but can't find it for the life of me at the moment - too many posts on the old research blogs and the search function on Blogger isn't always the best.
I found a few examples where the 'saddle cloth' covered the head and trunk, though more modern ones hardly ever do. I guess the material is just too expensive.
There was also a full list of the old vegetable dyes and their source. Particular ones have to be used because the paint is used on human faces and made into a liquid that is thrown about, so it has to be harmless in contact with the eyes etc.
I may just have to dig up my hard-copy research material.
I found a few examples where the 'saddle cloth' covered the head and trunk, though more modern ones hardly ever do. I guess the material is just too expensive.
There was also a full list of the old vegetable dyes and their source. Particular ones have to be used because the paint is used on human faces and made into a liquid that is thrown about, so it has to be harmless in contact with the eyes etc.
I may just have to dig up my hard-copy research material.